This
site provides a multitude of information on the care
and keeping of dairy goats, with an emphasis on a natural and humane approach. These pages contain information on all aspects of goat raising and goat care including: health & husbandry, feeding, medications, wormers & worming, natural, herbal & holistic health care, breeding, kidding, milking, behavior, how-to instructions, free downloads, and much more.

This web site is intended to aid the reader in the care and keeping
of dairy goats. In my methods, I emphasize natural & holistic health care
and treat our animals with the love, dignity and the respect
they deserve.

This site is dedicated to all those who want to learn how to raise your goats in a loving and humane manner. This is my gift of "metta" (loving kindness, compassion and friendship) to you

The
information presented here reflects the way I do things . There are as many ways to raise goats as there are people who
own goats. It is helpful to know how others do things, and with this
knowledge you can then develop your own way of raising goats that works
best for you and your own situation.

In loving memory of Goldie,
matriarch of our herd, wonderful friend, and the most extraordinary animal I will ever have the honor to have known. Goldie3/11/1995 - 10/19/2006
Tribute Essay: Goldie- Queen of Goats

But please be aware that this site is created and maintained by a single individual. It takes a lot of time to answer questions and email, write new articles, and update this site, as well as taking money to host and maintain it.

There are no ads on this site: it is support solely through contributions from people like you.

If you find this site useful,
please make a contribution to help support it.

To donate with:

Credit Card :
on-line, via fax or by mailEnter the amount you'd like to donate here:

I
raise full size Dairy Goats; this what I know and what this site is
geared to. You may have to adjust the provided information according
to the type of goat you raise (i.e. Pygmies, Nigerians, etc.). My main
goat focus is to raise healthy, friendly goats
as family milk producers, pets and companions.

The very first thing we always recommend to goatkeepers (new and old) is... get a book! More than one if you can.
The more you learn, the better off you and your goats will be.
I have compiled the following list of
useful and informative books for your convenience.

Normal
Goat Health Information

Temperature = 102.5 - 104 - This varies depending on the temperature of the goat's surroundings.

Pulse rate = 70 - 80 beats per minute

Respiration =15 to 30 per minute

Rumen (stomach) movements = 1 - 1.5 per minute

Puberty =
7 weeks - 8 months (separate bucks from does at 2 month)

Estrus/Heat Cycle = 17 to 23 days

Gestation = 143 to 155 days

Life span:

Does = 11-12 years average age, but...
usually
the death in does is kidding related. Does that
are "retired" from
breeding around
age 10 live longer: 16-18 years (and I just recently
found a doe who was 24; she was retired from kidding
at age 10).

Wethers = 11-16 years average age

Bucks = 8-10 average age - bucks usually live shorter
lives than does and wethers due to the stresses of going
into rut each year.

Full growth size: Most goats
do not reach their full size until they are about three years
of age. (They keep growing for about three years)

Friendly
kids- If you've been told you must bottle raise to get
friendly kids, this is not necessarily true. We do not bottle raise
and our goats couldn't be more friendly and loving. Here's how we
do it.

Wattles- What are those fleshy, furry, hangy down things that some goats have on their necks? They are called wattles. Wattles are merely "goat jewelry". Some goats have them, some do not. They serve no real purpose but adornment.

Worms & Wormers- You
have to worm your goats. Here is the info you need to know.

Please
note:
Does should NEVER be housed with bucks.If you "run"
does and bucks together, you will never know when to expect kids, you
won't be able to prepare for the kids, and you will risk loosing them.

Taste- Properly handled goat milk is sweet, delicious and wonderful, tasting just like whole milk from the grocery store (if not better). It should not be bitter, bad tasting or "bucky". If your goat's milk is "off" there must be a reason. Here are reasons the goat's milk may not be tasting correct.

This
is my other web site providing information on natural practices and
the use of herbs, herbal formulas & natural supplements used in
the holistic care of your dogs, cats, goats, horses, other pets &
animals.

These are my personal herbal formulas and treatments that I have developed to use as part
of the holistic natural care I give my own animals. Sales from the Molly's Herbals site help support the Fias Co Farm web site.

All graphics, photos and text on these pages
were created by, and are
the sole property of, Molly Nolte.Individuals are granted the right to download a single
copy of this page for archival purposes on electronic media and/or
conversion into a single printed copy for personal use.

All other
use or reproduction of this material, such as in publications or use on other web
sites is strictly prohibited. It may not
otherwise be reprinted or recopied, in whole or in part, in any
form or medium, without expressed written permission.

This site may be used as a reference (but not copied and/or plagiarized)
if proper credit is provided and a web link is given.

The
information on this web site is provided as an examples of how we do
things here at Fias Co Farm. It is supplied for general reference and
educational purposes only. This
information does not represent the management practices or thinking of
other goat breeders and/or the veterinary community. We are not veterinarians
or doctors, and the information on this site is not intended to replace
professional veterinary and/or medical advice. You should not use this
information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without
consulting your vet and/or doctor. We present the information and products
on this site without guarantees, and we disclaim all liability in connection
with the use of this information and/or products. The extra-label use
of any medicine in a food producing animal is illegal without a prescription
from a veterinarian.

The
statements presented on this site regarding the use of herbs, herbal
supplements and formulas have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. The use of herbs for the prevention or cure of disease
has not been approved by the FDA or USDA. We therefore make no claims
to this effect. We do not claim to diagnose or cure any disease. The
products referred to and/or offered on this web site are not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The
information provided here is for educational purposes only. This does
not constitute medical or professional advice. The information provided
about herbs and the products on this site is not intended to promote
any direct or implied health claims. Any person making the decision to
act upon this information is responsible for investigating and understanding
the effects of their own actions.